2006-2007 Orange Book: Internet Directory
UNYEWAY

Founded in 1983 as a non-profit corporation, UNYEWAY, (which means "friendship" in the language of the Barona Indians) helps transition adults with developmental disabilities into the workplace.

The organization was funded originally under the MAAC project on the Indian Reservation with one classroom for people with developmental disabilities. The program grew and finally incorporated. In 1990 it added a facility in Lakeside. It is funded mainly by the state and through the United Way, although there is an occasional fund-raiser, like last year's antique drag races at the Carlsbad raceway.

Today, according to Kim Metli, executive director, Unyeway provides life skills training programs and work training programs. There are 260 students and 60 teachers. Speech and physical therapists work with people who are not in work programs. They provide mobility training, such as how to take the bus and trolley etc. Another program, RASCALS, is an enrichment program for seniors with developmental disabilities. They serve a variety of clients ranging in age from just out of high school to the mid-80s.

The organization operates the RTC (Ramona Training Center) Nursery. Its propagation nursery in Lakeside feeds the RTC Nursery, which is open for retail sales seven days a week. Ramona is also where Unyeway maintains a production center that specializes in assembly and packaging. Workers shrink wrap items such as software, videotapes, language tapes. Their customers include small businesses that have products to send to retailers such as Sam's Club or Costco.

They also shred documents and collate them. "We do anything that is labor intensive where a business would need a production assembly line," says Metli. Both the nursery and assembly operations are in the same building.

The Volunteer board of directors meets on the fourth Thursday of the month, 5:30 p.m. at 2330 Main St., Suite E.

The board includes President, Gary Higgins; vice president, Dr. Richard Ferguson, DDS; secretary-treasurer Dave Hager; and director, Betty Richardson, who was one of the original incorporators. Unyeway is looking for volunteers to serve on the board to bring its number of directors up to nine.